Sunday, September 30, 2012

"It is important to provide opportunities to generate additional exposure for our sport by expanding our racing schedule, and we feel that our 2013 schedule will certainly challenge the fastest, most versatile drivers in the world with a strong mix of ovals and road and street courses, culminating in 19 races," said Randy Bernard.
The 2013 IICS schedule including 19 events over 16 race weekends:

In an added twist, INDYCAR promises a $1 Million payout to a driver that can win Indianapolis, Pocono, and the finale in Fontana or $250,000 to a driver winning two of three.

"We want to create more exposure and content for our sport, and we feel this strong and diverse schedule along with the addition of doubleheader races will provide an opportunity to further showcase the skills and personalities of the IZOD IndyCar Series next season," Bernard said. "We look forward to watching Ryan Hunter-Reay defend his title, the second year of engine manufacturer competition and the best-of-the-best tackle this challenging schedule in 2013."

Thursday, September 27, 2012

KV Racing Technology General Manager Mark Johnson has resigned his position, announced by the team early Thursday morning.

“Having resigned my position as General Manager of KV Racing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our team members, valued team partners and especially Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser, for the opportunity to work with this team for the past seven seasons,” Johnson said. “What originally started as a two to three year endeavor, morphed into seven years before we knew it. Jimmy and I worked day to day, shoulder to shoulder, at and away from the racetrack. We formed a tremendous business relationship and an even stronger friendship. That is why, the seven years, feels like only three. Jimmy and I, with the help of so many dedicated individuals, accomplished goals I would have never thought possible. Because these individuals feel like family, it makes this decision that much more difficult.” "At this point in my career, it is time for a reassessment on many levels. My life and my family's have always been and will continue to be in the motorsports industry. However, it is time for us to define new goals and how we would like to move forward in the sport. This is the opportune time of the season to make this change, since it will allow adequate time for KVRT to reposition themselves for 2013 and allow me to investigate my next challenge in motorsports.”

Joining the KVRT in 2006, owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser had nothing but positive things to say about the seasoned veteran.

“First, I have to thank Mark," said Vasser. "When he joined the team, we set out on a quest to make KVRT one of the most respected and competitive teams in the series, which I think we achieved. There were a lot of forks in the road, series mergers, driver changes, new equipment and new rules, just to mention a few. Throughout it all, Mark was a guiding force. You just don’t replace the leadership and experience of Mark Johnson. I wish him well in his next endeavor and I am sure that he will have the same profound effect that he had with KVRT on the people he works with in the future. He is and always will be a great friend.”

“I want to thank Mark Johnson for the service and effort he put forth during his seven years with the team," Kevin Kalkhoven added. "This was a very difficult, but exciting period in open-wheel racing and Mark did a great job of helping guide us through the process. I wish Mark and his family all the best in the future and once again want to thank him for all his leadership over the last seven years.”

Friday, September 21, 2012

The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights Series will not return to Edmonton City Centre Airport in 2013.

"When we finalized our schedule for the upcoming 2013 season, it unfortunately did not include Edmonton. We thank the city of Edmonton and all the fans for their support of the event over the last eight years," said INDYCAR CEO, Randy Bernard.

"More importantly this has not affected our plans for a minimum of 19 races next season, and we remain optimistic that we will return to having two races in Canada as early as 2014," added the CEO. "We anticipate announcing our full 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule the first week of October."

Thursday, September 13, 2012

A.J. Foyt Racing announced today the signing of Wade Cunningham to replace Mike Conway in the team's #14 ABC Supply entry this weekend in Fontana.

Conway, who was was severely injured on the final lap of the 2010 Indianapolis 500 when his DRR Dallara got airborne and into the catchfence, pulled himself from the season finale ride.

“I’m truly sorry for putting the team and our sponsors in a difficult position, but this is the hardest decision I have ever made in my racing career,” said Conway. “I’ve come to realize I’m not comfortable on the ovals and no longer wish to compete on them. I want to stress that I am not finished racing and to this end, I would love to continue with Foyt Racing, but that’s something we need to discuss in the future.”

Running in three events last season with Sam Schmidt Motorsports and the 2012 Indianapolis 500 with Foyt, Wade Cunningham will take over driving duties.

“Fortunately, Wade was available to drive for us, and we’re looking forward to working with him again,” said Team Director Larry Foyt.“Mike’s been a great asset to our team, and I’m disappointed that we can’t finish out the season together. However, it took a lot of courage for Mike to come forward and we respect him highly for that and we certainly want to honor his decision.”

Cunningham started 5th and won the 2005 Firestone Indy Lights event at California.